The San Jacinto Mountains are located in Southern California east of the Inland Valley. They stretch along the San Jacinto fault line which runs through southernmost part of the state. The high point of this range is at San Jacinto Peak (10,834 feet).

Most of this range is operated by the National Forest Service as the San Bernardino National Forest. Their rules apply for just about all bikers. The exception would be at the high point of the mountains. This section is run by the California State Park management as Mount San Jacinto State Park. Generally, restrictions are more strict in the state park than national forest so check first before going.

The range contains some of the area's premier biking trails along with dirt roads. These range from easy to tirelingly strenous so is suited to anyone with a bike. There are over 40 miles of trail in these mountains.

Environment

Much of the area is covered with trees. These provide relief from the sun which shines over 300 days a year in these mountains.

Water can be found here and there along the west side of the range though the east is primarily a dry and desert-like environment. There are no natural lakes however.

Weather differs greatly depending on where you're at. Snow usually falls above 4,000 feet in winter. Thunderstorms may occur in the summer; usually on the east side. The range averages 15-20 inches of rain a year. (4 inches this year)

The land is mostly soil at lower elevations and slowly becomes rocky at the higher altitudes. Many peaks are impossible to bike up (such as San Jacinto Peak) as they are really just piles of granite.

Many peaks have a pile of rock for a summit like this one.

Fees, Permits, Regulations

As mentioned before, the mountains are operated by two, very differed land mangement services: the California State Park System and the National Forest Service. They have very different red tape so it is wise to know the difference before going.

Mount San Jacinto State Park

-Biking restricted to dirt roads (in southwest corner)
-Free day-use permit required for going into the wilderness area (about 95% of park)
-No fee to enter

San Bernardino National Forest

-Biking allowed on nearly all trails and roads
-Adventure Pass ($5/day or $25/year) is required
-No day-use permits required

See the official websites listed under "External Links" for updated info.

Getting There

A biking trail in the heart of the range

The San Jacintos can be approached from the north, west or east. You can try entering from the south but that would mean a grueling, long desert bike through the Anza Borrego Desert.

From the North

The gateway city to the north is Bannings. This is a relatively large, suburb located in the San Gorgonio Pass. From there, take CA-247, a scenic but windy road which climbs into mountains. Most of the high altitude biking trails are accessed though this road. Occasionally, a few local bikers may pass you on this road. The highway ends at a junction with CA-74 (Pines-to-Palms Highway).

From the West and the East

To the west of the San Jacintos is the vast Inland Empire. This a partially populated area with open lands every now and then along a road. The primary west-east road in the area is CA-74. The road actually runs from San Juan Capistrano east over the San Jacinto Mountains into Palm Desert. Somewhere in between, take the highway and head up. Although the road doesn't wind as much as 247, it can still be a dizzy experience for those new to mountain roads.

Some Notable Trails

Listed here are some notable trails in the San Jacinto Mountains area:

Alvin Meadows- A moderately steep and rather strenuous ride offers a view of some meadows (or fields) nestled near Humber Park at the edge of Idyllwild.

Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail- An easy biking trail which runs though the forest offering a scenic, close-up view- 2.5 miles

Toro Peak- Though technically in the Santa Rosas, Toro Peak is a strenuous 12-13 mile ride beginning just off of CA-74 southeast of Idyllwild.

Views are plenty when biking in the San Jacintos!

External Links

San Jacinto Ranger District- The National Forest Service's San Jacinto Ranger District site. It provides up-to-date information on the range.

National Forest Service: Current Conditions- Check here regularly for updates on trail conditions, fire warnings, temporary closures, ect.

Panoramas

As I build them up, I will post my panoramas of these mountains here. If you have any, please post a link to it in the "Additions/Corrections" section. Enjoy!

From Santa Rosa Plateau

Desert Panorama

Images



[ View Gallery - 4 More Images ]